Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, a remark by a Pakistani politician has sparked widespread ridicule and debate. Sher Afzal Khan Marwat, a member of Pakistan's National Assembly and former aide to Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), openly admitted that he would flee to England if war were to break out between the two nations.
In response to a journalist's question on whether he would personally defend the nation by going to the frontlines with a weapon, Marwat bluntly said, “I will go to England if war breaks out with India.” The comment quickly went viral across social media, triggering sharp criticism and sarcasm. Many users questioned the commitment of Pakistan’s political elite, saying the statement reflects a lack of trust in the military and underscores how leaders often abandon the country in times of crisis.
This isn’t Marwat’s first controversy. Though once a close confidant of former PM Imran Khan, his frequent criticism of PTI’s direction and leadership led to his sidelining within the party. His latest remarks have only widened the divide between him and mainstream political sentiment in Pakistan.
The controversy comes in the wake of one of the most horrific civilian terror attacks in recent Kashmir history. On April 22, three terrorists affiliated with The Resistance Front (TRF)—a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba—opened fire on unarmed tourists in the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, a scenic location known as 'mini Switzerland'.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers emerged from dense pine forests, targeting tourists who were picnicking, riding ponies, or resting at food stalls. Among the victims were two foreign nationals from the UAE and Nepal, along with several Indian citizens.
India responded with a strong mix of diplomatic, economic, and military posturing:
-
Downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan
-
Suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty
-
Expulsion of Pakistani military attaches from New Delhi
-
Closure of key border transit points and airspace
These developments, coupled with Pakistan’s military vulnerabilities and political uncertainty, have led to deep anxiety in Islamabad, both within military circles and among the civilian leadership. Marwat’s statement, though seemingly off-the-cuff, has only deepened the perception that Pakistan is ill-prepared, internally divided, and politically fractured in the face of a potential conflict.
